Pressure cooker - advice needed !!

[barryman]

Hi – I know my question is not strictly about baking but I am sure one of you clever people would know the answer !! I cannot find any way of contacting the manufacturer, Sabichi,

In the back of one of my kitchen cupboards I found this Sabichi pressure cooker (see attached photos). I reckon it’s about 15 years old. I want to test that it is working properly but I’m not sure what to do.

1) I read somewhere that I should put a pint or two of water in it and then boil it up. I did this but when it reached boiling point, steam was escaping from under the black plastic vent dome on the handle. I found this strange as, if steam keeps escaping, surely it will never reach pressure. Is that correct ??? I know the photo of the handle shows it in the "open" position but my test was done with it "closed"

2) There is also a small hole in the lid on the opposite side of the lid but no steam was escaping from that – it may be because the rubber gasket underneath the lid would be covering it when the lid is on and is in locked position.

So, any idea how I can test it ??
Many thanks in advance for any advice

 

[Mona]

It’s normal for some steam to escape from the vent dome when testing your pressure cooker, especially if it’s an older model. This vent helps release excess steam and prevent over-pressurization. Make sure the rubber gasket is properly in place and not worn out, as this could affect the seal. The small hole in the lid is likely covered by the gasket when it’s locked, so no steam from that hole is usually okay. For a proper test, fill the cooker with water, lock the lid, and heat it until steam escapes steadily. If you still have issues, try contacting Sabichi directly for more help.

 

[Jessie_Roos]

It’s normal for some steam to escape from the vent dome as it helps regulate pressure, but continuous steam might indicate it’s not reaching the right pressure. Check if the steam is escaping steadily or just intermittently. The small hole in the lid should be covered by the gasket when closed, so it shouldn’t release steam. Make sure the gasket is in good condition and the pressure release valve isn’t blocked. If you’re still unsure, consulting a professional or considering a replacement might be a good idea.